Tuesday, January 27, 2009

BWOF 5/07 #102 Jacket - Finished

And what a long, strange trip it's been.

I've really enjoyed recycling / refashioning, but I think it uses a different part of my brain than regular sewing does, because this project really wore me out.

First off, my apologies to Carolyn, who suggested that I use a colorful lining for this jacket. I feel it, but the jacket didn't. It wanted to continue its neutral theme, so I used an ivory lining that I had on hand. It's not exciting, but it didn't want to be. I promise, Carolyn, double bright exciting lining for the next jacket.

The last thing I had in mind when I started this project was accumulating another serious contender pattern for the Chanel jacket, but this really would work well, either with the front redrafted the way I did this time or with the original diagonal dart (so long as I was using a plainer fabric). It's got that almost sweatery feel of a good Chanel jacket.

Decisions, decisions.

Apparently despite my worries in the previous jacket post, I saved myself from 80s-ness. My roommate came down through the living room while I was taking the photos and her comment was, "Nice save. If you'd put shoulder pads in this it would have been 80s all the way." Whew, dodged that bullet! (I know, I know, they're trying to bring back the 80s, but having lived through them once, I'm not ready yet).

Next up . . . what? Kisha brought me a few new Simplicity patterns the other day, two blouses and a dress. They're calling to me, but not with any specificity yet. Staring out my office window at the white sky, gray buildings, and gray and white sidewalks isn't inspiring me with any desire other than to do something colorful next time.

17 comments:

Nancy K said...

I like it. The leather accents make it.

Anonymous said...

I like the leather too! Looks comfy.

Shannon said...

The leather accents add a certain je ne sais quoi. Very nice!

Gretchen the Household Deity said...

That is a great shape for a Chanel jacket. Love those diagonal welts!

Cennetta said...

Talk about Chic. You are such a style master! Work it, girl!

-E said...

That jacket is sharp!!!

Did you use hook/eye closures?

Diana said...

This is beautiful!I love the leather. This has inspired me to try a leather trim on something. I don't know what yet though.

Berry said...

I don't see anything 80-ish in that jacket. I love the leather combination and the neutral tone. Great jacket!

Melissa Fehr Trade said...

ooh I hadn't realised from the earlier photos that the sleeves had leather trim, too! I love the fabric combination here, it's like Oxford professor but without the elbow pads!

Meg said...

Ooh, really nice, Karen! I love your visions with this jacket.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Okay so the plain beige lining is working in the jacket! :) I'll admit that the fabric had a point! The jacket is fantastic! I'm loving the leather inserts and welt pockets.

Tany said...

It's lovely, good job!

Vicki said...

Really nice. And I think your jacket is right - neutral lining for sure. I love fun linings but not for this one :)

Kitty Couture said...

Great jacket, Karen. I agree that this would make a nice Chanel jacket.

Unknown said...

I love the fact that you are deconstructing - my newest passion - I have a bag of rayon dresses, shirts, etc. from cleaning my Mom's closets to sew into new jackets, shirts. Great job with the tweed!

Kat said...

Love it!

Audrey said...

Great looking jacket! I don’t think it looks 80’s retro at all. I love the combo of the tweed fabric and leather, in a color other than black. Very stylish.